As a grant writer, articulating the diversity of your projects and the impact of your work can be a significant resume challenge. Our guide will provide you with the strategies to effectively showcase your writing skills and project successes, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers.
- Find different grant writer resume examples to serve as inspiration to your professional presentation.
- How to use the summary or objective to highlight your career achievements.
- How to create the experience section to tell your story.
- Must have certificates and what to include in the education section of your resume.
If the grant writer resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:
Designing your grant writer resume format to catch recruiters' eyes
Your grant writer resume will be assessed on a couple of criteria, one of which is the actual presentation.
Is your resume legible and organized? Does it follow a smooth flow?
Or have you presented recruiters with a chaotic document that includes everything you've ever done in your career?
Unless specified otherwise, there are four best practices to help maintain your resume format consistency.
- The top one third of your grant writer resume should definitely include a header, so that recruiters can easily contact you and scan your professional portfolio (or LinkedIn profile).
- Within the experience section, list your most recent (and relevant) role first, followed up with the rest of your career history in a reverse-chronological resume format .
- Always submit your resume as a PDF file to sustain its layout. There are some rare exceptions where companies may ask you to forward your resume in Word or another format.
- If you are applying for a more senior role and have over a decade of applicable work experience (that will impress recruiters), then your grant writer resume can be two pages long. Otherwise, your resume shouldn't be longer than a single page.
Your resume should match the market – Canadian applications, for instance, may use a different layout.
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If you happen to have some basic certificates, don't invest too much of your grant writer resume real estate in them. Instead, list them within the skills section or as part of your relevant experience. This way you'd ensure you meet all job requirements while dedicating your certificates to only the most in-demand certification across the industry.
Recruiters' preferred grant writer resume sections:
- A header with relevant contact information and headline, listing your current job title
- A resume summary or objective pinpointing what is most impressive about your expertise (that aligns with the role)
- An experience section highlighting the specifics of your responsibilities and achievements
- A skills sidebar to intertwine job advert keywords with your unique talents
- An education and certifications sections to serve as further accreditation to your professional experience
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Proven track record in securing grants, including the sizes and types of grants awarded.
- Strong writing skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Knowledge of grant-making organizations and processes, including governmental, foundation, and corporate funding sources.
- Experience with budget development, financial reporting, and fiscal management as they relate to grant administration.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough research and analysis to identify funding opportunities and align them with organizational needs.
Five dos for building your grant writer resume experience section
The best strategic approach to your grant writer resume experience section is to support your particular responsibilities with actions and achievements.
For example, you could list:
- Up to six responsibilities in your day-to-day work, supported by why they're important for your role, department, or organization;
- Experience items that have helped you sustain and enhance your technical knowledge within the field, or, perhaps, have helped you grow as a professional;
- Any metrics that pinpoint your success within your past roles;
- How you've solved specific problems in your day-to-day work;
- Strategies and solutions you've implemented for growth - and how that growth was measured.
The grant writer resume experience is your best shot at making a good first impression on recruiters. That's why we've included some real-world professional examples to get you thinking about how you present your experience:
- Devised strategic approaches to identify grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and corporations resulting in 25% increase in funding for the organization.
- Spearheaded a successful grant proposal for a major health initiative, securing $1.5 million over three years for community health outreach programs.
- Improved internal grant writing processes by implementing new project management software, leading to a 30% reduction in application turnaround time.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing the organization's reputation and leading to a 40% increase in collaborative grant opportunities.
- Organized grant writing workshops for junior staff and volunteers, enhancing their skills and contributing to a 15% success rate increase for submitted proposals.
- Authored a critical grant proposal that secured funding for a groundbreaking environmental research project valued at over $800,000.
- Currently leading a team of 4 grant writers, efficiently managing a portfolio of grants averaging $5 million annually.
- Leveraged data analytics to prioritize grant applications, resulting in a 60% uplift in grant attainment success for the fiscal year 2023.
- Secured a competitive grant for a renewable energy project that attracted additional private investments of $2.2 million.
- Wrote and managed grants for educational programs, including a $500,000 federal grant to improve STEM learning in underprivileged communities.
- Achieved a consistent grant success rate of over 85%, far exceeding the industry average, through meticulous attention to detail and adherence to best practices.
- Played a key role in expanding the grant pipeline by 50% through proactive research and engagement with new funding sources.
- Implemented a streamlined tracking system for grant deadlines and deliverables, contributing to a 20% improvement in on-time submissions.
- Identified and pursued non-traditional funding sources, resulting in a $350,000 grant award for a community arts initiative.
- Collaborated with program directors to gather accurate and compelling data, ensuring high-impact proposals that increased annual funding by 17%.
- Authored over 30 grant proposals, with a cumulative value exceeding $10 million, for a variety of community service and education programs.
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments for targeted grant applications, delivering tailored proposals that met specific donor priorities.
- Initiated a cross-departmental review team to enhance the quality and impact of grant narratives, increasing the approval rate by 22%.
- Managed a diversified grant portfolio focused on humanitarian aid, securing an average of $3 million in annual funding for disaster relief projects.
- Served as the primary grant consultant for international field offices, developing strategies that improved grant acquisition by 35%.
- Facilitated the expansion of the organization's operational capacity in three new countries through targeted grant applications and partnerships.
- Orchestrated the grant application process for technology integration in education, obtaining grants worth $750,000 to enhance digital learning.
- Designed and implemented an evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness of grant-funded programs, improving subsequent applications based on measured outcomes.
- Forged strategic alliances with technology firms, increasing the in-kind contributions and matching funds for grant proposals by 30%.
- Directing the grant writing strategy for a leading non-profit focused on mental health, with successful grant awards totaling over $4 million.
- Developed a series of successful grant narratives for innovative telehealth initiatives, enhancing mental health access for over 10,000 individuals.
- Piloted a new grant reporting system to streamline accountability and showcase program outcomes to funders, heightening renewal rates by 25%.
- Managed complex grant projects, including a $2 million community development block grant, and led the cross-functional team to a successful implementation.
- Enhanced grant readiness by spearheading the development of a comprehensive data repository, significantly reducing research time for future proposals.
- Pioneered a partnership approach to grant submissions, incorporating multiple non-profit collaborations into proposals, broadening funding scope and appeal to donors.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for grant writer professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Grant Writer:
- Identify and build relationships with potential donors.
- Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.
- Write and send letters of thanks to donors.
- Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.
- Create or update donor databases.
- Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
- Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.
- Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
- Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.
- Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Include the total amount of grant money you have successfully secured to demonstrate your experience and success rate.
- List the percentage increase in funding your previous organizations have experienced due to your efforts to illustrate growth potential.
- Outline the number of grant applications you have written and submitted to highlight your work ethic and industry experience.
- Present the number of organizations you have worked with to show your versatility and ability to adapt to different grant requirements.
- State the success ratio of your grant proposals to underline your effectiveness in securing funding.
- Quantify the size of the campaigns or projects you have funded using grant money to showcase the scale of your impact.
- Detail the amount of money you saved your organization through strategic grant writing to emphasize your financial acumen.
- Indicate the number of stakeholders or partners you've collaborated with on grant projects to display your teamwork and networking skills.
Action verbs for your grant writer resume
Guide for grant writer professionals kicking off their career
Who says you can't get that grant writer job, even though you may not have that much or any experience? Hiring managers have a tendency to hire the out-of-the-blue candidate if they see role alignment. You can show them why you're the best candidate out there by:
- Selecting the functional skill-based or hybrid formats to spotlight your unique value as a professional
- Tailoring your grant writer resume to always include the most important requirements, found towards the top of the job ad
- Substituting the lack of experience with other relevant sections like achievements, projects, and research
- Pinpoint both achievements and how you see yourself within this specific role in the grant writer resume objective.
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If the certificate you've obtained is especially vital for the industry or company, include it as part of your name within the resume headline.
Balancing hard and soft skills in your grant writer resume
Recruiters indeed pay close attention to the specific hard and soft skills candidates possess. Hard skills refer to technical abilities or your proficiency in technologies, while soft skills are the personal attributes and qualities developed over your lifetime.
If you're unsure about effectively quantifying these skills on your resume, follow our step-by-step guide. It's crucial to first understand the key job requirements for the role. Doing so enables you to accurately list your:
- Hard skills in sections like skills, education, and certifications. Your technical expertise is straightforward to quantify. Most organizations find it sufficient to mention the certificates you've earned, along with your proficiency level.
- Soft skills within your experience, achievements, strengths, etc. Defining interpersonal communication traits in your resume can be challenging. Focus on showcasing the accomplishments you've achieved through these skills.
Remember, when tailoring your grant writer resume, ensure that the skills you list match exactly with those in the job requirements. For instance, if the job listing specifies "Microsoft Word," include this exact term rather than just "Word" or "MSO."
Top skills for your grant writer resume:
Grant Management Software
Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace
Research Databases
Budgeting and Financial Analysis Tools
Project Management Software
CRM Software
Data Analysis Tools
Online Grant Application Platforms
Citation Management Software
Strong Writing Skills
Attention to Detail
Research Skills
Communication Skills
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Collaboration
Adaptability
Problem-Solving
Persuasion
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for grant writer professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Grant Writer’s resume:
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Salesforce software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
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If you happen to have plenty of certificates, select the ones that are most applicable and sought-after across the industry. Organize them by relevance to the role you're applying for.
What are the best certificates to add to your grant writer resume + how to curate your education section
The education and certification resume sections are the underdogs of your grant writer resume.
They showcase to recruiters that you've invested plenty of time to gain valuable and specific know-how, vital for growth.
As far as the resume education section is concerned:
- Detail only advanced education, specifying the institution and timeframe.
- Indicate your forthcoming graduation date if you're in the midst of your studies.
- Consider omitting degrees that don't align with the job's requirements.
- Offer a description of your academic journey if it underscores your notable achievements.
When curating your degrees and certificates on your grant writer resume:
- Select only accreditation that matters to the role
- Niche knowledge that could help you stand out as a candidate (as is within the past few years), should be listed towards the top of your resume
- Include any pertinent data for credibility (e.g. institute name, graduation dates, etc.)
- Irrelevant degrees and certifications shouldn't make it on your resume. Those include your high school diploma and any specializations that have nothing to do with the technical or soft skills that are required for the job
As a final note, if you feel tempted to exclude your education or certification from your resume, don't.
These two sections could help you have a better competitive edge over other candidates - hinting that your professional journey in the industry may be for a longer period of time.
Recruiters find all of these grant writer credentials impressive:
The top 5 certifications for your grant writer resume:
- Grant Professional Certified (GPC) - Grant Professionals Certification Institute
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) - CFRE International
- Grantsmanship Training Program Certification - The Grantsmanship Center
- Certified grant writer (CGW) - American grant writers' Association
- Grant Writing Certificate - American grant writers' Association
The content below includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top associations for grant writer professionals.
Top US associations for a Grant Writer professional
- Association of Fundraising Professionals
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- National Association of Charitable Gift Planners
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Bold the names of educational institutions and certifying bodies for emphasis.
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Which one to use: a resume summary or a resume objective?
The grant writer resume summary or objective serves as a good introduction to your experience for recruiters.
Have you ever wondered which one (the summary or objective) will be more appropriate for your grant writer resume?
- If you are a less experienced professional, write a resume objective statement. The objective is about three sentences long and provides recruiters with information about your career goals, strengths, and achievements . It should basically denote how you see yourself in this particular role, and what is your relevant experience and/or know-how;
- If you happen to have plenty of relevant experience, select your most impressive achievements for your resume summary. The summary is no longer than five sentences and serves as a storytelling instrument - highlighting your greatest career wins . Don't forget to align your summary with the job requirements to ensure your resume stays relevant to the role.
Read on for more information and examples of resume summaries and objectives from real world professionals.
Resume summaries for a grant writer job
- Seasoned grant writer with over 10 years of experience specializing in environmental conservation and sustainable development projects. Proven track record of securing multimillion-dollar funding for nonprofits, adept in federal and foundation grant proposals. Notable achievement: Authored a groundbreaking grant proposal that garnered a $5 million award for a climate change initiative.
- Dynamic professional with a rich 15-year background in academia, transitioning to grant writing with a focus on educational research funding. Excellent analytical and research abilities, with a PhD in Education Policy. Crafted and secured grants totaling over $2 million for academic institutions during initial transition into grant writing landscape.
- Veteran communications strategist making the leap into grant writing, bringing an 8-year tenure of crafting compelling narratives for corporate social responsibility programs. Excel at interpreting complex guidelines and integrating quantitative data. Successfully directed a campaign that raised $500,000 in community support for a global health initiative.
- With 5 years' experience in public health program management, poised to bring a holistic understanding of grant processes and strategic funding acquisition to high-impact projects. Skilled in crafting persuasive narratives that align with funding agency priorities. Spearheaded a campaign that secured a $3 million grant from a national health foundation.
- Passionate individual aiming to contribute to meaningful projects as a grant writer despite no direct experience in the field. Eagerness to utilize a strong background in research and writing from a recent Master's degree in Public Administration. Objective: To leverage academic prowess and dedication to secure vital funding for impactful community programs.
- Recent graduate with a Bachelor's in English Literature, enthusiastic about beginning a career in grant writing. Committed to mastering the technical aspects of grant applications and eager to bring strong communication skills to support funding efforts for creative arts endeavors. Objective: To obtain the knowledge and experience necessary to aid in financial resource development for artistic initiatives.
Average salary info by state in the US for grant writer professionals
Local salary info for Grant Writer.” Source: My Next Move, National Center for O*NET Development. Accessed 10/15/2024
| State | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| US National Average | $64,160 |
| California (CA) | $75,680 |
| Texas (TX) | $51,970 |
| Florida (FL) | $60,250 |
| New York (NY) | $77,570 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $60,880 |
| Illinois (IL) | $60,980 |
| Ohio (OH) | $52,930 |
| Georgia (GA) | $64,370 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $57,990 |
| Michigan (MI) | $59,880 |
Extra sections to include in your grant writer resume
What should you do if you happen to have some space left on your resume, and want to highlight other aspects of your profile that you deem are relevant to the role? Add to your grant writer resume some of these personal and professional sections:
- Passions/Interests - to detail how you spend both your personal and professional time, invested in various hobbies;
- Awards - to present those niche accolades that make your experience unique;
- Publications - an excellent choice for professionals, who have just graduated from university or are used to a more academic setting;
- Volunteering - your footprint within your local (or national/international) community.
Key takeaways
At the end of our guide, we'd like to remind you to:
- Invest in a simple, modern resume design that is ATS friendly and keeps your experience organized and legible;
- Avoid just listing your responsibilities in your experience section, but rather focus on quantifiable achievements;
- Always select resume sections that are relevant to the role and can answer job requirements. Sometimes your volunteering experience could bring more value than irrelevant work experience;
- Balance your technical background with your personality traits across various sections of your resume to hint at how much time employers would have to invest in training you and if your profile would be a good cultural fit to the organization;
- Include your academic background (in the form of your relevant higher education degrees and certifications) to show recruiters that you have the technical basics of the industry covered.
